CJNG’s Counterfeit Cash in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco–The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has introduced a new scam — flooding the city with counterfeit pesos. This new hustle targets unsuspecting tourists who are handed fake bills at restaurants, bars, and street vendors. What might see like a minor grift could be the first sign of more serious cartel violence, similar to what has overtaken Cancún.

Why Would a Billion-Dollar Cartel Do This?

At first glance, it seems strange for a powerful, wealthy cartel like CJNG to resort to counterfeit money schemes. Wouldn’t this hurt tourism, which drives the local economy? Surprisingly, no. Despite growing cartel activity, Puerto Vallarta’s tourism is booming. Hotel occupancy rates break records year after year, and visitors keep coming.

This isn’t a concern for Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación. He knows vacationers will continue to flock to Puerto Vallarta, drawn by the beaches and resorts, mostly unaware of the deepening cartel influence.

A Darker Side: Timeshare Fraud and Human Trafficking

Counterfeiting isn’t the only racket CJNG is running. The cartel has been involved in timeshare fraud for years, coercing property owners into signing away their assets through intimidation. Some victims have even been forced to sign under threat. Meanwhile, the sex trade has become more visible, with women and children being trafficked under CJNG’s control. The once-hidden crime is now out in the open in tourist-heavy fare-association.

Money Laundering and the Future of Vallarta

The cartel also launders money through businesses that cater to tourists. Restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs — all perfect fronts to clean dirty money. With every dollar tourists spend, CJNG’s grip on the city tightens.

What’s concerning is that this counterfeit cash scheme could be a sign of more violence to come. Puerto Vallarta risks becoming like Cancún, where cartel wars now spill onto tourist beaches. If the violence escalates, it could drive away the very tourists who fuel Vallarta’s economy.

Will Tourists Keep Coming?

Even as CJNG’s control grows, tourists continue to pour into Puerto Vallarta, blissfully unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface. Counterfeit money may be just the beginning, but the real storm could come when the violence follows.

Thanks for reading!

Mica

Email: mica@cartelinsider.com

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